An unprecedented exhibition devoted to the history, culture and contemporary life of Iran’s Jews will open on December 30 at Beit Hatfutsot, the Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv.
This exhibition, titled "Light and Shadows: The Story of Iran and the Jews," is the first to present a comprehensive, in-depth portrait of Iranian Jewry and introduce visitors to the fascinating world of an ancient community and its cultural, social, economic and political life.
The intriguing story unfolds over more than 2,700 years, beginning with the first Jews exiled from Jerusalem by the Babylonians and continuing to today, with most members of the community scattered throughout the world.
The exhibition includes archeological artifacts, many on public display for the first time, which reveal fascinating details pertaining to the ancient life of the Iranian Jewish community.
Also featured are a wide range of stunning cultural artifacts, including ancient manuscripts, talismans, carpets and both secular and religious music. Additionally, the exhibition includes contemporary artworks by Iranian Jewish artists now residing in Israel, Europe and the United States.
"We are deeply honored and excited that Beit Hatfutsot will be the first to expose the fascinating life of Persian Jewry, which to date has not received the full attention it deserves," said Irina Nevzlin Kogan, President of the Nadav Foundation, Beit Hatfutsot’s major benefactor.
"This exhibition breaks ground on the new spirit of Beit Hatfutsot as 'The Museum of the Jewish People,' which will now reveal the stories of different communities around the world and show not only the historical aspect of the Jewish people, but also its current status." According to Professor David Yeroushalmi, a member of the Center for Iranian Studies at Tel Aviv University and the exhibition's historical advisor, some 20,000 Jews still live in Iran today.
They are concentrated in Tehran and the two ancient communities of Isfahan and Shiraz, and maintain a strong connection with Judaism and the Iranian Jewish community's unique cultural legacy.
An international conference, 'The Legacy of the Past and the Challenges of the Future,' will be organized in conjunction with the exhibition, in collaboration with the Center for Iranian Studies at Tel Aviv University.
It will take place at Beit Hatfutsost on Monday and Tuesday, January 3-4, 2011.